Néstor Almendros

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Almendros's crowning achievement was the Oscar for Days of Heaven, a film whose golden-hour photography is still studied today. He was a pioneer of naturalistic lighting, and his influence is seen in the work of many contemporary cinematographers. His collaborations with Rohmer and Truffaut produced some of the most visually distinctive films of the French New Wave. His posthumous honors, including the Golden Frog at Camerimage, underscore his lasting impact on the art of cinematography.

AwardsAlmendros won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for Days of Heaven in 1978, a landmark achievement that cemented his reputation. He also received the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Cinematography for the same film. His work on Kramer vs. Kramer and Sophie's Choice earned him BAFTA nominations, though he did not win. He was also honored with the Golden Frog at Camerimage in 1993, a posthumous recognition of his contributions to cinematography.

Honours & Distinctions

Golden Frog

Camerimage·1993

Posthumous lifetime achievement award for his contributions to cinematography.

Records & Feats

First Spanish cinematographer to win an Academy Award

Historic First·1978

Almendros was the first Spanish-born cinematographer to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography, for 'Days of Heaven'.